And it's fair to say that David Blazye takes his cue from these two greats.

His new self-titled second album is a lesson in the art of stripping songs right down to their bare essentials.

Blazye is the ultimate songwriters' songwriter.

There is no pretension here - no over-the-top production techniques to polish over vocal/lyrical imperfections.

Blazye merely uses acoustic guitar, glockenspiel, piano and a warm understated set of vocal chords to incredible effect, producing songs that are raw and exposed - bereft of the cosy blandishments of modern country/folk music.

There are 10 tracks on the new album - each one beautifully crafted and presented.

Some songs are jazz-tinged in the mould of Tim Buckley - others are on the country side of pop.

Blazye does melancholy particularly well - his fine voice gliding and swooping around the melody and in turn colouring his material with raw emotion.

After all, this is a troubadour who has been around the musical block.

But it is only his second album.

The first one was delivered five years ago under the moniker From The Playground.

Memorable moments - and there are a few - include the lovely Lament with the exceptional backing vocals of Leanne Narewski .

Elsewhere, you can take your pick from In the Morning and the finale Starting to Rain.

There's a haunting beauty to much of the work - Blazye is a master of the sensitive heartfelt lyric and the stark poignant tune.

Despite the often barren nature of the music, the album is in no way gloomy. Rather this is a collection of songs that ultimately uplift than depress.